Uma aproximação prática no ambiente de trabalho: resolução de problemas em matemática e processo de manutenção de sistemas computacionais

This thesis handles the use of Mathematics in the workplace, more specifically about the existence of relationship between Mathematics problem solving strategies and the software maintenance process in the computer developers‟ workplace. The adopted methodology was Grounded Theory (GT), under Glaser, Strauss, Corbin and Charmaz‟ perspectives. It has been used, as the data collecting technique, semi-structured interviews as well as GRUMPS tool to record all developers‟ interactions during their daily duty. We analyzed the current practices of thirty four developers observed and interviewed during the exercise of their profession in their corporate environment. The exploratory research indicated characteristics of mathematical thought during the developers‟ professional problem solving process. As an outcome, we concluded that problem solving strategies in Mathematics, connected to the reality of this type of specialists may potentially contribute to the computational systems maintenance process. This would happen because, in Computer Science, the comprehension of pre-existing programs, and the attention to not insert new issues based on the changes performed, are crucial skills to ensure the success of this type of professional in the market place.